Seasoned SYC-ers: What's your advice? - YouLookFab Forum

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Seasoned SYC-ers: What's your advice?

Kari

Veteran

As a follow up to my earlier thread about participating in a "Shop Your Closet" (SYC) challenge, I have decided that I really want to commit to a 3 month ban on shopping for clothes from January 1 - April 1. I am going to be strict and say that the only clothing item I can buy is workout gear, since I know that a new sports bra & possibly some workout pants are needed if I'm going to meet my weekly exercise goals (unless I want to do a load of laundry every night.) After 3 months, I'll re-evaluate and see whether a longer but less strict "shopping diet" might be in order.

Since others expressed interest in joining for a certain time period, or with varying rules depending on our individual needs & situations, I wanted to seek the advice of those of you who have already been through SYC.

What helped you stay successful? What were some of your biggest pitfalls? What helps you stay inspired & avoid boredom with your wardrobe?
Any specific tips that you would recommend, particularly since I am planning to stay active on YLF while going through SYC, but know that I'm not going to be spending money on Angie's picks or on pretty items that other members are showcasing?

Shopping

44 replies

Latest reply was from Queen Mum

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Kari, I so admire you for taking on this project. I'll be following your blog! Here's what I would do if I were you:

1. Unsubscribe from all retailers' emails. You can't want something if you don't know about it. This is HUGE for avoiding pitfalls and I can't emphasize it enough! Similarly, don't go to stores. What's the point?
2. Avoid reading and clicking through on Angie's clothing recommendations for the next 3 months (sorry Angie, but your picks are so good that the temptation is always huge!!). All other blog posts are totally fine to read!
3. Divert your energy into other projects that you've been wanting to complete, but try to avoid substitute shopping.

That's it for starters! Oh, and it might make you feel better to have a wish list - if you see something you want, write it down and tell yourself you can have it if you still want it in 3 months. It's surprising what you'll actually still want by the end.

Lisa

Veteran

I'm joining SYC this time around and my plan right now is to:
-commit to one month, I want to do all 3 but hearing 3 is daunting, if I break it up into smaller sections I expect to last longer
-my focus is to wear all my clothes and use this as a weeding out opportunity, if I don't feel fab after a day of wearing something, I am going to see if the item can either be remixed into a fab outfit or into the donate pile it goes
-I am also hoping to take this time to really figure out a shopping list that fills holes and leaves room for one or two new styles to try as they pop up, such as 70s fashion (already a long necklace is going on the list). It would be nice to shop with some focus instead of my usual killing time or lift my spirits strategy that I use most often currently
-hone my style, I am hoping that my turning my focus inward, to my closet, instead of outward, always looking for the "new next best thing" I can figure out what I really like instead of jumping around as much as I do now. I don't expect my style to stay fixed to one look but it would be nice to be a tad more focused.

I am hoping my having some upfront goals I will have a focus and accomplishments to feel I achieved along the way

Kari

Veteran

Laura, I have my retail emails diverted into a separate folder - I use Google's priority inbox for important emails (from family, friends, etc) that I want to read, because so much of the rest is just not important. So that's good advice. I'll just make use of my priority inbox for screening out the emails that I will still receive but don't want to see for several months!

Ignoring Angie's picks is always *so* hard, even when I know they aren't suited to me (like with the Express turtleneck.) No offense, Angie. I'll just try my best to divert my eyes when those posts appear.

LOVE the idea of a running list. I actually do this periodically throughout the year. Since my birthday & Christmas are a week apart, often relatives ask me what's on my "personal wish list" at that point in the year if they are short on gift ideas. I try to keep a list of items that have been tickling my fancy for a while, and not just impulse "wants". I'd love to get to the point where I almost only shop off of my long-term wish list, because as you mentioned, sometimes months later an item you wanted doesn't seem so important, or you lose interest and move on to something better suited to you.

Thanks for your input!

Kari

Veteran

Lisa, your plan sounds incredibly wise, particularly breaking up your goal into smaller, more measurable timelines. I was initially thinking of embarking on a 6 month ban; fortunately, Angie and Laura let me know that this was a little too ambitious. But perhaps after the first 3 months, I can take a quick break for a purchase or two, and then embark on another ban until the NAS in July.

We'll be glad to have you join us on whatever terms work best for you!

Tanya

Veteran

Great advice from both Laura and Lisa!

I have found it also helpful to browse look-books / store websites ( usually the more expensive the better, since you don't get tempted to buy something) for looks you really like and try tor recreate them from the items in your closet. Or to set yourself a little challenges: a week of neutrals for example; or trying to rotate bottoms - I usually try to wear skinny, straight and flare jeans, a dressy pair of pants and a casual pair through out the week.

Also, if something keeps popping up as a necessary item to complete more than one look, keep track. I have learned that I really wished for a floaty silky cream blouse and leopard ballet flats during my first SYC - I got the blouse last week using a gift card and will look for the flats when the weather becomes appropriate.

MsMary

Veteran

I have been a longtime non-shopper (even though you wouldn't know it from my conduct these past few months), and I don't have much to add other than "if you don't see it, you won't buy it." GREAT tip to unsubscribe from retailers' emails! And stay out of the stores, of course.

I'm in for January, February and March. But beginning on Jan. 9, because I want to be free to buy something on vacation.

Kari

Veteran

Thank you for the additional wise ideas, Tanya and Mary. I'll be glad to have you join me. I've gone a little bit shopping-crazy these last few months and it's time to rein it in again.

Tanya, perhaps it would be a good idea for me to brainstorm a little list of challenges to keep on hand when the going gets tough. Of course, there's always Kimberly's inspiration calendars if I'm ever stumped!

Bianca

Veteran

Good luck with this challenge. I will be following along. Rule numero uno for me is not going to the mall! (AT ALL) I guess I will refer to my style books/magazines/blogs/tv to look for inspiration then try to recreate the look from what I have. I have a wonderful sister who is into fashion, so sometimes she and I will exchange ideas. Hope to take my own advice for the next few months. Keep us posted!

Kari

Veteran

That is a good one, Bianca.

My hairdresser recently left her former salon, which was in the mall, for another that is in a separate complex. This is great, because I'll probably need at least 2 haircuts from now through April 1, and temptation would have been awful in the old location.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

It's going to be tough for me to avoid going to the store...I work right downtown near all the shops and I walk by them every day.

Unsubscribing to emails is good. I *mostly* just deleted them now anyway...

crwilson

Veteran

I'm committing to a month right now because my wardrobe is pretty small as it is, and my weight is fluctuating, which means that I could be left without clothes that fit me. I feel like if I had just one day to spend shopping - by myself (i.e. without an infant and a preschooler tagging along), I could fill enough holes to make it three months. But, since that magical day isn't going to happen, I'll commit to a month at a time. My impetus for joining in is part of my effort to become more satisfied with what I have instead of thinking that something new will necessarily be better.

Like Lisa, I'm also making it a goal to wear every item in my closet. I think this will help me figure out what pieces still need to go and what I need to fill those holes. I want to make sure that I buy things that I really want and will use, so I'm also going to keep an inspiration file where I store every image that catches my fancy. At the end of SYC (for me), I want to go through and see what patterns I can find and use that to hone my style.

ETA: Sorry, I'm hijacking. I'm clearly not an expert or an SYC veteran, so I have no real advice to offer.

Stephanie

Veteran

I got so into purging my closet this fall (and selling the items on e-bay) that I lost almost all interest in shopping: it felt so good to get rid of stuff, I didn't *want* to bring anything else in. Plus I was enjoying remixing what remained. So if you have any things to purge, you might take that project on (I made about $2000, too, so I have felt great about picking up some new things more recently).

Lynne

Veteran

Girls, I will cheer you on. I was gobsmacked by Laura and co in the last SYC, and it has inspired me to put more thought into my purchases. Success!

Kari

Veteran

CRWilson, you aren't hijacking at all. Your solutions for yourself sound perfect. Please do join us for however long is practical and feasible for you!

Stephanie, that's great. I am definitely in the process of culling my wardrobe, particularly in preparation for the global YLF swap in January. I don't do the Ebay thing myself, though - I've never used it but I know most buyers prefer to purchase from a seller with a lot of positive history on the site. Perhaps I should look into whether any consignment shops would purchase any of the cast-offs instead. Good ideas!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I would love to know how to make $2000 from selling wardrobe items! At the beginning of SYC, I did a wardrobe purge, brought a bunch of good items to a consignment store, had a few items dry cleaned at their request, and got a lousy $50 for my efforts. Next time, I'll donate!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

If you want to get really serious, you can switch to a cash basis for a while. Leave your credit cards at home, and only take out what you need for groceries/travel expenses for the week. Stash a credit card for emergencies in your glovebox. You can't buy anything if you don't have any money!

Tanya

Veteran

I am with you on the consignment thing Laura! I have done it a couple of times this year, each time with min 20 items that were either never worn or max 2-3 times; and earned around $50 each time. I am getting another set of items ready for later today.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Funny you should mention it Khris, we are going on a cash basis this year. Another interesting experiment awaits. Are you doing it too?

Tanya, I agree, consigning is a lot of work for not a lot of $$. Just my time driving to and from the store with a little kid in tow, dry cleaning, etc. and the fact that I didn't get a check until 3 months later really made me question the whole deal.

Kari

Veteran

Hmm. Well, maybe it would be a good idea to explore the whole Ebay thing after all.

Going on a cash only basis would be a good challenge. So do you withdraw a "budget" of cash at the start of the week to use for everything (grocery shopping & food included?)

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yup, you have a certain amount you can withdraw each week, and when you run out of cash, well -- let's just say you're eating ramen noodles for the rest of the week

Kari

Veteran

Well, that is what backup/staple foods in the pantry are for!

(I keep cans of tomato & chicken noodle soup as a backup for that purpose.)

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

My family gave up all of our credit cards about a year and a half ago. Some weeks I take my allowance out in cash, others I just transfer it to my checking account and use my debit card. Either way- when it's gone, it's gone.

Tanya

Veteran

I really like the cash only idea. I will probably give it a try too.

Kari

Veteran

The only disadvantage I see is that for me personally, I'm more apt to spend cash when it's in my pocket. I don't charge more on my credit card than I have in my bank account and I'm actually pickier about what I spend money on if I put it on a card vs. paying by cash. But if I readjust my thinking about cash - that physically, all of the cash in my wallet needs to last me a week - it might help me internalize how much I'm spending even more.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I find it helpful to break my budget down as much as possible- I know exactly how much I have for food, gas, health and beauty products, the kids' allowance, fast food, date night and restaurants, etc. That way I am not looking at a big lump of money and thinking I can spend it all. You can do this with separate envelopes, or just keep track mentally. I am using Mint.com to help me budget and track. You link your bank account to it, and it puts your transactions in the right category for you so that you can see your spending. That big red bar that says you're over budget is a glaring reminder!

Kari

Veteran

I've never heard of mint, Khris. Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds very helpful.

Kate

Veteran

Not a seasoned SYC-er, but I wanted to say:

I'll be posting today or tomorrow on my 5 month, wear everything at least twice challenge that ends today. I had to keep fancy things out of the challenge because I rarely have a reason to get dressed up, but it was VERY helpful for weeding out the clothes that I don't wear. I highly recommend it.

I've used Mint since spring 2009 and it's great! It automatically categorizes things you pay for with a card, which is amazing (!) but it's a pain if you buy things in cash. I only very rarely buy things with cash, so this hasn't been much of a problem for me.

Stephanie

Veteran

I have lots of tips on e-baying--I had never done it before October, and I learned a lot along the way. Maybe I should start a thread? I agree that consigning is not worth the time; I wish I could turn back time, knowing what I know now, and sell all the things I consigned on e-bay, since I am *sure* I could make more money that way, and I don't really think it's that much more work.

I will say this--e-bay has free listings until January 7, so this week would be a great time to do it!

Kari

Veteran

Kate, that sounds like such a great tool. Thanks to you and Khris for recommending it! Learning new things all the time.

Stephanie, I'd really love to hear your Ebay tips, and a separate thread would probably get a lot more visibility. I don't have time to photograph and organize everything this week in time to meet the Jan. 7 deadline, but appreciate the heads up!

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